Automotive & Maintenance Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Rockford, IL is $53,751 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$53,751
vs State Avg
$-8,522
vs National
$-11,799
Cost of Living
82%

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $53,751, which is $8,522 below the Illinois state average of $62,273. Compared to the national median of $65,550, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $53,751 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,550 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for aircraft mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Rockford spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $82,820 at the 90th percentile — a $48,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,720. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,940
$-12,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,720
$-17,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $42,640
Median (50th) $53,751
75th Percentile $68,880
90th Percentile $82,820

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$70,794
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$70,139
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$62,273
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$55,718
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Rockford

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in Rockford

Browse open aircraft mechanic positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Rockford

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median aircraft mechanic salary in Rockford, Illinois is $53,751 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $82,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,751, a aircraft mechanic in Rockford earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼
Rockford's median aircraft mechanic salary of $53,751 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $62,273. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a aircraft mechanic salary of $53,751 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Rockford? ▼
Most aircraft mechanic positions in Rockford require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.